CVE-2004-1263: changepassword.cgi in ChangePassword 0.8, when installed setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-1263 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting changepassword. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

changepassword.cgi in ChangePassword 0.8, when installed setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code by modifying the PATH environment variable to point to a malicious "make" program.

Why this priority

High severity

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 69%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: changepassword

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-01-10 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

changepassword changepassword DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.1 · 0.2 · 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 · 0.6 · 0.6.1 · 0.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy changepassword || rpm -q changepassword || changepassword --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison changepassword sudo apt install changepassword=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1> sudo apt-mark hold changepassword

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list changepassword sudo dnf downgrade changepassword-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1> sudo dnf versionlock add changepassword

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2004-1263?

changepassword: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-1263 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1263 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2004-1263 affect?

CVE-2004-1263 affects changepassword. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). changepassword.cgi in ChangePassword 0.8, when installed setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code by modifying the PATH environment variable to point to a malicious "make" program.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1263?

Priority 33/100. High severity

References

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